President Aquino Orders PHILVOCS to Monitor Areas Affected by Earthquake in Negros Oriental

Published on 6 February, 2012 - 15:28

President Benigno S. Aquino III has tasked the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to monitor the affected areas for further seismic activity following an earthquake that hit Tayasan town in Negros Oriental on Monday morning.

"The President has been informed and is being constantly updated of the situation," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued in Malacanang on Monday.

"A Level 2 Tsunami alert has already been issued by PHIVOLCS requiring residents in affected areas to stay away from the shorelines and to be on alert for unusual waves," Lacierda said.

Transporation and Communictions Secretary Manuel Roxas II has instructed Rear Admiral Edmund Tan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, to prevent fishermen from going out to sea for the duration of the alert.

Lacierda said the Philippine National Police Region VI and VII have already been instructed by PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome to keep the population away from the shoreline, and to ensure the maintenance of peace and order, while the alert is ongoing.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel are already on standby to lend support and relief to affected citizens.

"While there are no forced evacuations being ordered, we implore the people in affected areas to remain vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions. Let us cooperate with government agencies, allow them to do their work, and remain calm and watchful," Lacierda said.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake was reported at 11:49 this morning Monday at Tayasan town in Negros Oriental.

Intensity III tremors were reported as far south as Butuan and Cagayan de Oro, and as far North as Legaspi City in Albay. The nearest major city to the epicenter, Dumaguete experienced Intensity VII tremors.